On Sunday, the NBA landscape shifted as superstar forward Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets. Head coach Ime Udoka's team is now primed to make some serious noise next season and potentially beyond.
Durant being on the trade block was an open secret. The Phoenix Suns needed to pivot in their roster construction. Due to Bradley Beal's no trade clause, Durant was the most logical trade chip.
However, Durant's trade shouldn't be taken as a sign of things to come, at least not where another superstar, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, is concerned. In a June 23 episode of ESPN's "Get Up," NBA Insider Brian Windhorst poured cold water on any potential rumors involving the two-time MVP.
“Giannis has not asked for a trade," Windhorst said. "He is not available for a trade. Today is June 23. These are facts,” Windhorst said. “I can't speak to what's going to happen on August 23, but I would say that the Bucks are in a challenging position to restructure that team and increase their ability to compete, although there are injuries in the East.”
"Giannis has not asked for a trade, he is not available for a trade, today is June 23. These are facts. ... The Bucks are in a challenging position to restructure that team and increase their ability to compete."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 23, 2025
- Brian Windhorst
(via @GetUpESPN)pic.twitter.com/YS1tvKR4kB
Antetokounmpo's disgruntlement stems from the Milwaukee Bucks' inability to put together a contending roster. They have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the past three seasons. Trading for Damian Lillard failed to stem the bleeding. If anything, it opened the wound further.
You can understand why Antetokounmpo would be growing tired of his current situation. However, it's important to remember that he has been incredibly loyal to Milwaukee. His legacy with the franchise has been established. Leaving now could potentially tarnish how the fanbase views him. While that is unlikely to be a key factor in Antetokounmpo's decision, it will undoubtedly play a part.
Antetokounmpo will likely allow the Bucks to prove they're committed to winning. That's been his playbook over recent summers. He makes his frustrations public, the Bucks make some moves and then they move forward as a unit. That playbook has a shelf life, though.
Milwaukee is hamstrung for tradable assets and has a precarious cap situation. Sooner or later, Antetokounmpo may be viewed as the franchise's best trade asset. For now, though, the Bucks will likely fight tooth and nail to keep their superstar player around.
If they can show Antetokounmpo they're prepared to go the extra mile to give him the contending team he wants — either this year or next — he will likely choose to stay in with his adopted hometown team, at least for the time being.
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